Sheriff: Teen who shot 11-year-old brother in face got gun from acquaintance, was victim of drive-by



EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office says a teenager who shot his 11-year-old brother in the face was  the victim of a drive-by shooting over the summer.

Detectives say the 15-year-old told them he bought the gun from an acquaintance a few months after being struck by a bullet in August. An 18-year-old was arrested in that case.

The 11-year-old, who was shot near Everett on Sunday, was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Hospital spokeswoman Susan Gregg said Monday he's in serious condition and expected to live.

Detectives say they found a .38-caliber revolver at the scene, and it's not clear whether the boy's parents knew he had it. The 15-year-old was booked into juvenile detention for investigation of reckless endangerment and illegal gun possession.

Investigators said the shooting may have been accidental. They're still investigating.

Neighbors said the whole situation has them on edge.

“I have two kids of my own, my fiancé has two children of her own as well so it’s personal when you have children like that,” said neighbor Neil Mills. “I couldn’t imagine that happening to my two kids.”

Others said it has them thinking twice about letting them outside, even within the complex.

“I have a 12-year old, a 9-year old and a 5-year old, it just kind of hits home that could have been my kid coming outside and playing or something,” said neighbor Ana Espinoza.